ATLANTA – ‘Tis the season for jolly jackpots! Georgia Lottery officials announced today that the estimated Mega Millions jackpot for tonight’s drawing has been raised from $586 million to $636 million because of strong sales.

The jackpot began rolling Oct. 4 and has rolled 21 times.

Mega Millions offers two jackpot payment options: the $636 million annuity prize paid out as one immediate payment followed by 29 annual graduated payments; or the cash option, which is approximately $341 million.

It only takes $1 to play Mega Millions for a chance to win big. Players can multiply prizes with the Megaplier option for an additional $1 per play.

As with all other Georgia Lottery games, proceeds from Mega Millions will benefit education in the state of Georgia.

Since its first year, the Georgia Lottery Corp. has returned more than $14.9 billion to the state of Georgia for education. All Georgia Lottery profits go to pay for specific educational programs, including Georgia’s HOPE Scholarship Program and Georgia’s Pre-K Program. More than 1.6 million students have received HOPE, and more than 1.3 million 4-year-olds have attended the statewide, voluntary prekindergarten program.

MEGA MILLIONS FAST FACTS

Draw Date: Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Estimated Jackpot Amount: $636 million

Annuity Amount: Jackpot prize paid out as one immediate payment followed by 29 annual graduated payments

Cash Option Amount: Approximately $341 million

Cost to Play: $1 per play; an additional $1 per play to add the Megaplier